Tour de France podium makes mark on USA Pro Cycling Challenge
- Details
- Created on Sunday, 28 August 2011 01:46
- Written by USA Pro-Cycling Challenge
By Nathan Van Dyne, OutThereColorado.com
BRECKENRIDGE -- Had Cadel Evans arrived in Colorado with the mindset of coasting through the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, it would have been understandable. The Australian hasn't exactly lived a laidback summer.
During a stretch of 23 days at the Tour de France, Evans pedaled more than 2,100 miles. With a stirring performance in the penultimate stage, he seized the yellow jersey and his life changed forever.
"It was a long journey to get here, but after the Tour de France I did a few postrace events in Australia," he said. "It was much appreciated, and I was very honored that they had celebrations for me – it was quite intense."
While the intensity hasn't wavered, Evans did take a break from the victory tour to come to the Rockies. He's been accompanied all week by Andy and Frank Schleck, the dynamic brothers from Luxembourg who joined Evans on the podium in Paris.
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"Americans have a lot of passion about cycling, and we feel that support and want to do well," said Frank Schleck, a key cog for Leopard Trek who finished third in Stage 1 at Mount Crested Butte. "It is our job to give something back to the American fans."
The star-studded lineup is a boon to event organizers, but it's been anything but a publicity stunt. These riders showed up to win. They've pushed the issue on several occasions, including in Stage 5 on Saturday when Evans and Andy Schleck attempted early breakaways on Rabbit Ears Pass and Schleck again attacked from a group of four on Swan Mountain Road.
"This race has been really, really special," said Andy Schleck, whose final move was swallowed up by the peloton near the finish. "It was a good test for me. This race really brought my condition up to a high level."
With only one stage remaining and Evans holding the best position in seventh, none of the top three Tour finishers will reach the podium in Denver. Their massive impact on the race, however, is undeniable.
"It is a big deal to have the Tour de France podium here in Colorado, but at the same time it isn’t fair to expect all of us to win all the time," said American Levi Leipheimer, who maintained his overall lead and likely will become the event's first champion. "They went super deep into July and since then they’ve had a ton of commitments.
"For Cadel to show up and be in the shape he’s shown and to be in the top 10 has proven what great riders they are and shows they’re true champions."
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